Global Affairs Canada Begins DNA Collection for Missing Citizens in Nepal
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Federal officials are coordinating with the RCMP and foreign police to identify 29 Canadians missing after a catastrophic glacier collapse.
Global Affairs Canada is coordinating the collection of DNA samples from the families of 29 Canadians missing following a massive flash flood in the border region of Nepal and China, according to reporting from CBC Toronto.
The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse on Aug. 26, resulted in more than 1,100 deaths and left approximately 4,400 people missing. While one Canadian has been located safe, 29 others remain unaccounted for. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, more than 580 foreign nationals and tourists are still missing, though 330 have been rescued.
Senior government officials briefed reporters on background, stating that DNA collection is being conducted with support from the RCMP as well as police forces in China and Nepal. The identification process is critical as police in Kathmandu have already buried dozens of unidentified bodies in trenches due to the sheer volume of casualties.
Federal officials noted that search, recovery, and identification operations are being led by Chinese and Nepali authorities, though Canada has offered assistance. To manage the evolving situation, Global Affairs has deployed 10 officials to Kathmandu and set up points of contact for the families of the missing Canadians.